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Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency - CCSVI

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CCSVI Blod Flow Diagram

Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art & Photography

In CCSVI, vascular changes, like stenosis (narrowing) or reflux in valves can lead to reduced blood drainage from the brain.

During 2009 a new theory on the possible cause of multiple sclerosis was reported by Dr Paolo Zamboni, Director Vascular Diseases Center, University of Ferrara, Italy.

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is described as a chronic problem (ongoing) where blood from the brain and spine has trouble getting back to the heart.

It is caused by a narrowing in the veins (stenosis) that drain the brain and the spine. Blood takes longer to return to the heart, and it can reflux back into the brain and spine or cause oedema and leakage of red blood cells and fluids into the tissues of the brain and spine.

Blood that remains in the brain too long creates a delay in deoxyginated blood leaving the head ("slowed perfusion"). This can cause hypoxia, a lack of oxygen in the brain. Plasma and iron from blood deposited in the brain tissue can also be very damaging leading to iron along with other unwelcome cells crossing the crucial brain-blood barrier.

Further clinical trials are in process to verify Dr. Zamboni's CCSVI theory in relation to MS and the proposed "Liberation Procedure" treatment.

CCSVI Page Links

MSRC Statement on CCSVI and Dr Paolo Zamboni’s work.

"MSRC is very encouraged by the early results of Dr Paolo Zamboni’s work. There is no doubt that this area warrants a great deal more study. This could represent a completely novel approach to MS research which, if proven to be relevant, could be a “sea change” in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the condition. There has already been a huge amount of interest about this study and MSRC will continue to report on any and all developments in this very important area. MSRC looks forward to the results of the further trials that are taking place and hopes that these studies are able to reproduce the findings of Dr Zamboni.” - Helen Yates MSRC Chief Executive.

© Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre

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